THE Association of Event and Corporate Caterers has called for new licensing laws in the industry to ensure higher standards of professionalism and hygiene.
The association's chairman, Mr Paul Carey, said anyone wishing to set up a new catering business should first prove they are qualified, or have employed qualified staff.
"At the moment, anyone can apply for a temporary licence. That person might have no professional training and no understanding of cooking, food preparation or hygiene. They might only be caught out after a complaint occurs."
The association, which represents about 60 per cent of the industry, also called on event organisers and corporate clients to be more careful in picking caterers.
"The organiser should always check the credentials. They should ask the caterer for a tax cert. They should see if they have applied for a temporary food certificate. They should inspect the premises and they should ask for a public liability certificate," he said.
Mr Carey added that cases food poisoning "reflect very badly on the industry".
